Agilent Technologies. Connectivity Guide. USB/LAN/GPIB Interfaces. Agilent Technologies

Transcription

1 Agilent Technologies USB/LAN/GPIB Interfaces Connectivity Guide Agilent Technologies

2 Notices Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2003, 2004 No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as governed by United States and international copyright laws. Edition Second edition, November 2004 Agilent Technologies, Inc th St. SW Loveland, CO USA Trademark Information Visual Studio is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. Windows NT is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Windows and MS Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Software Revision This guide is valid for Revisions 14.xx of the Agilent IO Libraries Suite software, where xx refers to minor revisions of the software that do not affect the technical accuracy of this guide. Warranty The material contained in this document is provided as is, and is subject to being changed, without notice, in future editions. Further, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or performance of this document or of any information contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the material in this document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the separate agreement shall control. Technology Licenses The hardware and/or software described in this document are furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license. Restricted Rights Legend If software is for use in the performance of a U.S. Government prime contract or subcontract, Software is delivered and licensed as Commercial computer software as defined in DFAR (June 1995), or as a commercial item as defined in FAR 2.101(a) or as Restricted computer software as defined in FAR (June 1987) or any equivalent agency regulation or contract clause. Use, duplication or disclosure of Software is subject to Agilent Technologies standard commercial license terms, and non-dod Departments and Agencies of the U.S. Government will receive no greater than Restricted Rights as defined in FAR (c)(1-2) (June 1987). U.S. Government users will receive no greater than Limited Rights as defined in FAR (June 1987) or DFAR (b)(2) (November 1995), as applicable in any technical data. Safety Notices CAUTION A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met. WARNING A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met. 2 Agilent Connectivity Guide

3 Contents 1 Getting Started Using This Guide Steps to Get Started Connecting Instruments to LAN LAN Quick Start Step 1: Install I/O Software on Your PC Step 2: Select LAN Network Type Typical Site LAN Networks Typical Private LAN Networks Step 3: Gather Network Information Gather Site LAN Network Information Define Private LAN Network Parameters Step 4: Connect Your Instruments Connect Instruments to Site LAN Connect Devices to Private LAN Step 5: Configure Your Instruments Check Your Web Browser Set/Change LAN Parameters Step 6: Run Agilent Connection Expert Run Agilent Connection Expert Add a LAN interface Configure a LAN Interface Communicate with Instruments Using Interactive IO 47 Agilent Connectivity Guide 3

4 3 Connecting Instruments to USB USB Quick Start Step 1: Install I/O Software on Your PC Step 2: Connect Instruments to USB USB Interface Overview Steps to Connect USB Instruments Step 3: Identify Instruments Automatically Step 4: Communicate with Instruments Steps to Check Identification Parameters (Optional) Step 5: Program Your Instruments Connecting Instruments to GPIB GPIB Quick Start Step 1: Install I/O Software on Your PC Step 2: Install GPIB Cards in Your PC Steps to Install a GPIB Card in Your PC Step 3: Connect Instruments to GPIB Card Steps to Connect Instruments to GPIB Cards Step 4: Configure GPIB Interface Cards Steps to Configure GPIB Interface Cards Step 5: Communicate with Instruments Communicating Using Interactive IO Step 6: Program Your Instruments Programming Your Instruments Programming Overview Agilent Connectivity Guide

5 Obtaining Instrument Drivers Installing Agilent IO Libraries Suite Using VISA COM in Other Visual Basic Projects Addressing Instruments Addressing Instruments via LAN Addressing Instruments via USB Addressing Instruments via GPIB Sample Programs Installing I/O Software System Requirements for Agilent IO Libraries Suite 126 Installing the IO Libraries Suite Software Installation Troubleshooting Selecting Application Software Modifying, Repairing, or Removing IO Libraries Suite Keeping Your Software Up To Date Using Agilent VISA in Side-by-Side Mode TCP/IP Network Basics LAN Interface Overview Typical Network Topologies LAN Hardware Architecture TCP/IP Protocols The TCP/IP Network Model The Network Interface Layer The Internet Layer The Transport Layer The Application Layer Agilent Connectivity Guide 5

6 IP Addressing IP Address Classes Subnets and Subnet Masks Local and Remote Networks IP Address Configuration Methods Configuration Methods Overview Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Auto-IP/ZEROCONF Duplicate IP Address Detection Device Hostname Services Device Hostname Services Overview Dynamic DNS Naming RFC NetBIOS Naming Static DNS Naming Configuring Your PC for LAN Operation Checking PC Settings Installing Network Interface Cards Installing TCP/IP on Your PC Setting PC IP Address Setting PC Hostname Troubleshooting Guidelines Troubleshooting LAN Interfaces LAN Troubleshooting Overview Communication Checks Web Browser Checks Troubleshooting USB Interfaces USB Troubleshooting Overview USB Hardware Checks USB Software Checks Agilent Connectivity Guide

7 Troubleshooting GPIB Interfaces GPIB Troubleshooting Overview GPIB Hardware Checks GPIB Software Checks Guide Information Guide Contents Related Documentation Accessing an Electronic Copy of This Guide Contacting Agilent Glossary Agilent Connectivity Guide 7

8 8 Agilent Connectivity Guide

9 Agilent Connectivity Guide 1 Getting Started This chapter includes: Using This Guide Steps to Get Started NOTE This guide does not describe LAN networks that include a gateway, such as the Agilent E5810A LAN/GPIB Gateway for Windows. See the applicable gateway documentation for information on gateway systems. Also, this guide does not provide a detailed description of LAN, USB, or GPIB interfaces or TCP/IP networks. Consult standard reference texts for this information. If you need to contact Agilent, see Contacting Agilent for addresses. Agilent Technologies 9

10 1 Getting Started Using This Guide This Agilent Connectivity Guide shows how to connect instruments to USB, LAN, and GPIB interfaces and how to configure and troubleshoot these interfaces on PCs with Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP operating systems. A summary of the guide contents follows. Section CONNECTIVITY GUIDELINES Getting Started Connecting Instruments to LANs Connecting Instruments to USB Connecting Instruments to GPIB Programming Your Instruments REFERENCE INFORMATION Installing I/O Software Troubleshooting Guidelines TCP/IP Network Basics Guide Information Glossary Index Description Shows steps to get started and how to contact Agilent Gives guidelines to connect instruments to LANs Gives guidelines to connect instruments to USB Gives guidelines to connect instruments to GPIB Gives guidelines to program instruments via LAN/USB/GPIB Shows how to install I/O software on your PC Troubleshooting guidelines for LAN, USB, and GPIB Interfaces Provides an overview of TCP/IP networks Lists general information for this guide Defines some of the terms used in this guide Index of selected items in this guide 10 Agilent Connectivity Guide

11 Getting Started 1 Steps to Get Started This figure shows suggested steps to get started setting up LAN, USB, or GPIB interfaces and the applicable sections of this guide. Some guidelines follow this figure to select the interface you want to set up. CONNECTIVITY GUIDELINES Start LAN USB GPIB Connect Instruments to LAN Select Your LAN Network Configure Instruments Communicate via LAN See Connecting Instruments to LANs Connect Instruments to USB Configure USB Network Communicate via USB See Connecting Instruments to USB Connect Instruments to GPIB Configure GPIB Network Communicate via GPIB See Connecting Instruments to GPIB Program Your Instruments Using IVI-COM Using VXIplug&play Using VISA See Programming Your Instruments REFERENCE INFORMATION Troubleshooting Guidelines Troubleshooting LANs Troubleshooting USB Troubleshooting GPIB See Troubleshooting Guidelines TCP/IP Network Basics TCP/IP Protocol IP Addressing Network Services See TCP/IP Network Basics Guide Information Guide Contents Accessing Electronic Copy General Information See Guide Information Agilent Connectivity Guide 11

12 1 Getting Started Connect Instruments to LAN. A Local Area Network (LAN) provides instrument connectivity over distances and allows sequential sharing of instruments among multiple PCs. A LAN is the recommended method to connect instruments together in applications such as new test systems. If you select LAN connections, go to Connecting Instruments to LAN. Connect Instruments to USB. Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a quick and easy way to connect instruments to PCs on a benchtop. Typically, you can use USB to connect a single instrument to a PC. If you select USB connections, go to Connecting Instruments to USB. Connect Instruments to GPIB. If you select General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) connections, go to Connecting Instruments to GPIB. 12 Agilent Connectivity Guide

13 Agilent Connectivity Guide 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN This chapter includes: LAN Quick Start Step 1: Install I/O Software on Your PC Step 2: Select LAN Network Type Step 3: Gather Network Information Step 4: Connect Your Instruments Step 5: Configure Your Instruments Step 6: Run Agilent Connection Expert Add a LAN interface Add and Configure a LAN Instrument Communicate with Instruments Using Interactive IO Agilent Technologies 13

14 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN LAN Quick Start This section shows suggested steps to help you quickly get started connecting and configuring your LAN- enabled instruments for site LAN or private LAN operation. What are Site LANs and Private LANs? A site LAN network is defined as a local area network (LAN) in which LAN- enabled instruments and Windows PCs are connected to a site LAN (workgroup LAN, Intranet, or enterprise LAN) via (optional) routers, hubs, and/or switches. A private LAN network is defined as a local area network (LAN) in which LAN- enabled instruments and Windows PCs are NOT connected to a site LAN. Typical Site LAN To Site LAN PC Ins Typical Private LAN PC Instrument Ethernet Hub or Switch Inst Figure 1 Example Site and Private LAN Networks Getting Started To get started, you may want to copy the following overview of steps to use as a guide as you set up your instruments for site LAN or private LAN operation. For additional information: TCP/IP Network Basics for an introduction to TCP/IP networks Troubleshooting LAN Interfaces for LAN troubleshooting tips Glossary for a definition of some LAN terms Contacting Agilent if you need to contact Agilent 14 Agilent Connectivity Guide

15 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 1 Install I/O Software on Your PC Install Agilent IO Libraries Suite from a CD or the Web. PC 2 Select LAN Network Type Select the type of LAN (site LAN or private LAN) to which you want to connect your instruments. Computer Site LAN OR Private LAN Computer Instrument Instrument Instrument Instrument 3 Gather Network Information Gather network parameters for site LAN connections or define private LAN parameters. Site LAN Network Information Card lnstrument Information (Completed by Instrument User) (Serial Number and Ethernet (MAC) Hardware Address usually on label on instrument) Instrument Serial Number: Ethernet (MAC) Hardware Address: 4 Connect Your Instruments Connect your instruments to the site LAN or private LAN you selected. To Site LAN PC Instrument Agilent Connectivity Guide 15

16 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN 5 Configure Your Instruments As required, manually configure your instruments using the instrument's Web pages or front panel. You can use the Configuring Your Instrument Web page to configure instruments. 6 Run Agilent Connection Expert Run Agilent Connection Expert; add and configure the LAN interface (optional); add a LAN instrument; communicate with your instruments using Interactive IO; and program your instruments (optional). 16 Agilent Connectivity Guide

17 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Step 1: Install I/O Software on Your PC 1 Install I/O Software on Your PC Install Agilent IO Libraries Suite from a CD or the Web. PC What s in This Step? This step gives guidelines to install applicable I/O software on your PC. Go to Installing I/O Software for details. After the I/O software is installed, go to Step 2: Select LAN Network Type. NOTE Agilent IO Libraries Suite supports the following operating systems: Microsoft Windows 98 SE Microsoft Windows 2000 Microsoft Windows Me Microsoft Windows XP If you wish to use an earlier version of Windows, you must download a compatible version of the Agilent IO Libraries from Agilent Connectivity Guide 17

18 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN Step 2: Select LAN Network Type 2 Select LAN Network Type Select the type of LAN (site LAN or private LAN) to which you want to connect your instruments. Site LAN OR Computer Private LAN Computer Instrument Instrument Instrument Instrument What s in This Step? The first step is to determine whether you want your instruments and your PC to be connected to a site LAN or to a private LAN. This step shows some examples of site LAN and private LAN networks. Select site LAN or private LAN connections, based on your requirements. Then, go to Step 3: Gather Network Information. For examples of typical site LAN networks, go to Typical Site LAN Networks For examples of typical private LAN networks, go to Typical Private LAN Networks 18 Agilent Connectivity Guide

19 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Typical Site LAN Networks In this guide, a site LAN network is defined as a local area network (LAN) in which LAN- enabled instruments and Windows PCs are connected to a site LAN (workgroup LAN, Intranet, or enterprise LAN) via (optional) routers, hubs, and/or switches. Example Direct Connection To Site LAN PC Instrument Example Switch Connection Ethernet Hub or Switch To Site LAN PC Instrument Instrument Instrument Instrument Figure 2 Example Site LAN Networks Agilent Connectivity Guide 19

20 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN Typical Private LAN Networks In this guide, a private LAN network is defined as a local area network (LAN) in which LAN- enabled instruments and Windows PCs are NOT connected to a site LAN (workgroup LAN, Intranet, or enterprise LAN). This figure shows some example private LAN networks. Example Direct Connection PC CAT5 Crossover Cable Instrument Ethernet Hub or Switch Example Switch Connection PC Instrument Instrument Instrument Instrument Figure 3 Example Private LAN Networks NOTE For a private LAN you, the designer of the LAN, are the System Administrator for the LAN and are responsible for defining all private LAN parameters. 20 Agilent Connectivity Guide

21 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Step 3: Gather Network Information 3 Gather Network Information Gather network parameters for site LAN connections or define private LAN parameters. Site LAN Network Information Card lnstrument Information (Completed by Instrument User) (Serial Number and Ethernet (MAC) Hardware Address usually on label on instrument) Instrument Serial Number: Ethernet (MAC) Hardware Address: What s in This Step? When you have selected the type of LAN to connect your instrument to, the next step is to gather information for your site LAN or to define parameters for your private LAN. When you have gathered the necessary information, go to Step 4: Connect Your Instruments. For steps to gather site LAN network information, go to Gather Site LAN Network Information. For steps to select private LAN network parameters, go to Define Private LAN Network Parameters. Agilent Connectivity Guide 21

22 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN Gather Site LAN Network Information Suggested steps follow to gather information for instrument connections to a site LAN. 1 Does the Site LAN Support DHCP? Find out if the site LAN supports Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). In general, if the site LAN supports DHCP, you can connect your instruments to the site LAN without contacting your IT department. However, if your local policy requires it, contact your System Administrator in your Information Technology (IT) department and tell him/her you want to connect instruments to the LAN. 2 Select Automatic Configuration. If the site LAN supports DHCP, IP addresses for the instruments are automatically assigned by the network. If you do not require fixed (static) IP addresses for your instruments, you do not need to complete the Site LAN Network Information Card. Go to Step 4: Connect Your Instruments. OR Select Manual Configuration. If the site LAN does not support DHCP or if you want to set a fixed (static) IP address for each instrument, the System Administrator must assign the static IP addresses and you must manually configure your instruments. 3 Enter Instrument Information. If the LAN does not support DHCP or if you selected manual configuration, make a copy of the Site LAN Network Information Card for each instrument to be connected to the site LAN. Record the instrument serial number and hardware (MAC) address on the Instrument Information section of the card. 4 Give the Cards to the System Administrator. Give the partially completed card(s) to the System Administrator and ask him/her to complete the Site LAN Information part of each card and to return the card(s) to you. Then, go to Step 4: Connect Your Instruments. 22 Agilent Connectivity Guide

23 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Site LAN Network Information Card lnstrument Information (Completed by Instrument User) (Serial Number and Ethernet (MAC) Hardware Address usually on label on instrument) Instrument Serial Number: Ethernet (MAC) Hardware Address: Site LAN Information (Completed by System Administrator) Does the Network Support DHCP? Yes No If No, provide: IP Address (Static):... Subnet Mask: Default Gateway: Does the Network Support DNS? Yes No If Yes, provide: Instrument Host Name: Instrument Domain Name: DNS Server IP Address:... Will You Allow Universal Plug&Play to be Enabled? Yes No Agilent Connectivity Guide 23

24 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN Define Private LAN Network Parameters Suggested steps follow to define parameters for a private LAN. NOTE For a private LAN you, the designer of the LAN, are the System Administrator for the LAN and are responsible for defining all private LAN parameters. However, you may want to check with the System Administrator in your Information Technology (IT) department for guidelines on designing your private LAN. 1 Does the LAN Support DHCP? In general, private LANs with a router support DHCP but typically do not support Dynamic DNS. Determine if the LAN supports DHCP. NOTE Most Agilent products and most PCs will automatically choose an IP address via auto-ip, if a DHCP server is not present. 2 Complete the Network Information Card. Make a separate copy of the Private LAN Network Information Card for each instrument to be connected to the private LAN. For each card, define and record the network, PC settings, and instrument settings you want for the LAN. As required, see TCP/IP Network Basics or the Glossary for a definition of terms. 3 Where to Go Next. When you have completed the Private LAN Network Information Cards, go to Step 4: Connect Your Instruments. 24 Agilent Connectivity Guide

25 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Private LAN Network Information Card N E T W O R K DHCP Enabled: Dynamic DNS Enabled: UPnP Enabled OK: Subnet Mask: DNS Server IP Address: Yes No Yes No Yes No P C Hardware Address: IP Address: Subnet Mask: DNS Server: Host Name: Domain Name: I N S T R U M E N T Instrument Serial Number: Ethernet (MAC) Hardware Address: IP Address:... Subnet Mask:... DNS Server:... Host Name: Domain Name: DHCP: ON OFF Auto IP: ON OFF N/A UPnP: Enabled Disabled N/A Agilent Connectivity Guide 25

26 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN Step 4: Connect Your Instruments 4 Connect Your Instruments Connect your instruments to the site LAN or private LAN you selected. To Site LAN PC Instrument What s in This Step? This section gives guidelines to connect your instruments and LAN interface devices such as routers, hubs, or switches to site LANs or to private LANs. When you have connected your instruments, go to Step 5: Configure Your Instruments. To connect instruments to a site LAN, go to Connect Instruments to Site LAN. To connect instruments to a private LAN, go to Connect Devices to Private LAN. 26 Agilent Connectivity Guide

27 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Connect Instruments to Site LAN This section shows typical ways you can connect LAN- enabled instruments and interface devices such as routers, hubs, and switches to a site LAN. Two example network connections follow that you can use as templates to connect your instruments to the site LAN. Modify the connections as required for your application. When you have completed the instrument and device connections, go to Step 5: Configure Your Instruments. NOTE The example connection steps assume the PC is configured for LAN operation and connected to an existing site LAN. If this is not the case and you need to configure the PC, see Configuring Your PC for LAN Operation. Example: Direct Connection (Site LAN) To Site LAN PC Instrument Figure 4 Direct Connection of Instruments to a Site LAN 1 Turn Power OFF. Remove power to the instrument. 2 Connect Instrument to the LAN. Use a standard CAT5 LAN cable to connect the instrument to the site LAN. 3 Turn Power ON. Apply power to the instrument and verify proper instrument power- on sequence. See the instrument s User s Guide for information. Agilent Connectivity Guide 27

28 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN Example: Switch Connections (Site LAN) This figure shows one way to connect instruments to a site LAN via an Ethernet hub or switch. Ethernet Hub or Switch To LAN Port on Instruments PC To Site LAN Standard CAT5 LAN Cable Instrument Instrument Instrument Instrument Figure 5 Connecting Instruments to a Site LAN via a Hub or Switch 1 Turn Power OFF. Remove power from the instruments. 2 Connect Instruments to Hub/Switch. If you use a hub or switch, use standard CAT5 LAN cables to connect each instrument to the hub or switch. See the hub/switch documentation for connections. 3 Turn Power ON. Apply power to the hub/switch (if not already ON) and then to the instruments and verify proper power- on sequence. See the instrument s User s Guide for instrument information. 28 Agilent Connectivity Guide

29 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Connect Devices to Private LAN This section shows typical ways you can connect LAN- enabled instruments and interface devices such as routers, hubs, and switches to a private LAN, assuming your PC is properly configured for LAN operation. Two example network connections follow that you can use as templates to connect your instruments to a private LAN. Modify the connections as required for your application. When you have completed the instrument and device connections, go to Step 5: Configure Your Instruments. NOTE The example connection steps assume the PC is properly configured for LAN operation. If this is not the case and you need to configure the PC, see Configuring Your PC for LAN Operation. Example: Direct Connections (Private LAN) This figure shows one way to directly connect a Windows PC with a LAN- enabled instrument. Suggested connection steps follow. Typical Simply Connected System Connections To Network Interface Card (NIC) To LAN Port PC CAT5 Crossover Cable Instrument Figure 6 Typical Direct Connection of Instrument to PC 1 Turn Power OFF. Remove power from the instrument. 2 Connect Instrument to the LAN. Use a standard CAT5 crossover cable to connect the instrument to the LAN. Agilent Connectivity Guide 29

30 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN 3 Turn Power ON. Apply power to the instrument and verify proper instrument power- on sequence. See the instrument s User s Guide for information on instrument power- on sequences. Example: Switch Connections (Private LAN) This figure shows one way to connect a Windows PC and LAN- enabled instruments via an Ethernet hub or switch. Suggested connection steps follow. To Network Interface Card (NIC) See hub/switch documentation for connections PC Ethernet Hub or Switch Standard CAT5 LAN Cable Instrument Instrument Instrument Instrument To LAN Port on Instruments Figure 7 Example Connections via a Hub or Switch (Private LAN) 1 Turn Power OFF. Remove power to instruments and the hub/switch. 2 Connect Instruments to Hub or Switch. Use standard CAT5 LAN cables to connect each instrument to the hub or switch. See the hub or switch documentation for connection information. 3 Turn Power ON. Apply power to the hub/switch (if not already ON) and then to the instruments and verify proper power- on sequence. See the instrument s User s Guide for information on instrument power- on sequences. 30 Agilent Connectivity Guide

31 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Step 5: Configure Your Instruments 5 Configure Your Instruments As required, manually configure your instruments using the instrument's Web pages or front panel. You can use the Configuring Your Instrument Web page to configure instruments. What s in This Step? This step shows how to manually set TCP/IP parameters for LAN- enabled instruments, using the instrument s Web Pages or front panel. If your LAN supports DHCP and you selected automatic configuration for your instruments, skip this step and go to Step 6: Run Agilent Connection Expert. If the LAN does not support DHCP or you want to make configuration changes, you can use the steps in this section to configure your instruments. Then, go to Step 6: Run Agilent Connection Expert. Agilent Connectivity Guide 31

32 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN Check Your Web Browser. If your instrument is Web- enabled, the instrument includes a Web Server you can access using a supported Web Browser (Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher). You can then use your Web Browser and the instrument s Web Pages to view/modify network configuration parameters as required. NOTE If your instrument is not Web-enabled or you cannot access the instrument at its IP address, you must set the TCP/IP parameters from the instrument s front panel. Set/Change LAN Parameters 1 Display the Instrument Welcome Page. To display an instrument s Welcome Page, determine the instrument s IP address from the front panel display. Then, open your Web Browser. From the Web Browser address line, type IP Address>, where <Instrument IP Address> is the IP address displayed on the front panel, and press Enter to display the instrument s Welcome Page. For example, if the instrument s current IP address is (as displayed on the instrument s front panel), typing and pressing Enter displays the instrument s Welcome Page. The following figure shows a typical display for the Agilent 33220A. 32 Agilent Connectivity Guide

33 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 2 View Current Configuration Page. To view the current configuration, click the View and Modify Configuration icon to display the Current Configuration Page. An example display for the 33220A follows. 3 Display the Configuring the Instrument Page. From the Current Configuration Page, click the Modify Configuration Agilent Connectivity Guide 33

34 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN box to display the Configuring the Instrument Page. You can then set/change instrument parameters as required 4 Set/Change TCP/IP Parameters. This figure shows a partial Configuring your 20MHz Function/Arbitrary Waveform Generator Page. For example, to change the settings for the 33220A IP address and default gateway from the values shown in the Configured Value column to those shown in the Edit Configuration column, type the desired values in the Edit Configuration column. Then click Save. Click Reboot 33220A to make the changes effective. NOTE Since the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Default Gateway parameters are marked with an asterisk (*), you must click Save and then click Reboot 33220A to make the changes effective. The Configured Value for the IP Address, Subnet Mask and Default Gateway are NOT necessarily the values currently set for the instrument. These values will be used during boot if DHCP is OFF or is unavailable. 34 Agilent Connectivity Guide

35 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Step 6: Run Agilent Connection Expert 6 Run Agilent Connection Expert Run Agilent Connection Expert; add and configure the LAN interface (optional); add a LAN instrument; communicate with your instruments using Interactive IO; and program your instruments (optional). What s in This Step? This step shows how to Run Agilent Connection Expert Add and configure a LAN interface (optional) Add a LAN instrument Communicate with your instruments Program your instruments (optional) Agilent Connectivity Guide 35

36 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN Run Agilent Connection Expert Click the Agilent IO Control icon in your Microsoft notification area, and select Agilent Connection Expert, or click Refresh All in the explorer pane if the Connection Expert is already running. Add a LAN interface One LAN interface labeled LAN (TCPIP0) appears in the explorer pane by default. If there is not a LAN interface available, or you wish to connect different instruments via LAN with different connection parameters (such as different connect timeouts), then take the following steps: 1 Click Add Interface on the Connection Expert toolbar to create an additional LAN interface. 2 When the Manually Add an Interface box appears with LAN interface highlighted, click Add. 3 When the LAN Interface configuration box appears, modify the properties as desired, then click OK. NOTE The required Auto-discover setting for LAN interfaces is off. To prevent disrupting your network traffic, Connection Expert does not automatically query each bus on the LAN to detect the presence of new devices. 36 Agilent Connectivity Guide

37 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Configure a LAN Interface When you select a LAN interface in the explorer pane, the properties pane displays the current properties for that interface. The properties that you are most likely to need are displayed at the top of the properties pane. If you see a button labeled More, you may click it to see additional properties, as shown in the graphic below. 1 Click More to view the full property list. Figure 8 LAN Interface Properties Pane Agilent Connectivity Guide 37

38 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Select a LAN interface in the explorer pane. Click the Change Properties... button in the properties pane. The LAN Interface dialog box appears, as shown below. Figure 9 LAN Interface Configuration Dialog Box 3 Change the properties and click OK. Your changes will appear in the properties pane. VISA Interface ID. A symbolic name that is used to uniquely identify this interface. The VISA interface ID combines the interface type and a numeric identifier. For example, TCPIP0 is the default VISA interface ID for a TCPIP interface. Protocol type. The protocol type to be used with the LAN client software on this PC. The Agilent IO Libraries Suite supports three protocol choices: Automatic (automatically detect protocol), VXI- 11 (TCP/IP Instrument protocol), and SICL- LAN protocol. Default selection: Automatic 38 Agilent Connectivity Guide

39 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Connect timeout. The time, in milliseconds, that the PC will wait when attempting to connect to a LAN instrument. Default value: 5000 milliseconds LAN maximum timeout: The actual timeout value used when a test program specifies a timeout value of infinity. Default value: 120 seconds Client delta timeout. The incremental time that is added to the timeout value specified in a test program to allow for the additional time required to transfer information over a LAN connection. Default value: 25 seconds SICL interface ID. The unique name that SICL programs use to identify this interface. Logical unit. A number used to uniquely identify an interface in Agilent VEE and SICL applications. The logical unit number is an integer in the range of NOTE The logical unit may be used in place of the SICL interface ID in Agilent VEE and SICL applications. The logical unit is not used by VISA. Log LAN connect errors. You can set the Connection Expert to log LAN connection error information in your Windows Event Viewer or Event Log. Default setting: Yes Auto-discover. Auto- discover is not shown in the Change Properties dialog box, because it is required to be Off (No) for a LAN interface. Agilent Connectivity Guide 39

40 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN Add and Configure a LAN Instrument When an instrument resides on your local area network (LAN), there are several ways to add the instrument to your test system configuration. You may also use any of these methods to make a change to an existing instrument. NOTE Connection Expert only discovers LAN instruments automatically in your local subnet to prevent disrupting your network traffic. In practical terms, your local subnet is defined as being on your side of the nearest router. To communicate with LAN instruments that are remote (on the other side of the router), you must be able to specify a Hostname or IP address in the LAN Instrument dialog box. Connecting an instrument on your LAN local subnet When an instrument is on your LAN local subnet, the easiest way to add the instrument is to request that Connection Expert discover the instrument. This eliminates the need to specify the IP address or the instrument hostname. Connecting an instrument outside your LAN local subnet When an instrument resides outside your LAN local subnet, you may specify the instrument by either the IP address or the instrument hostname. Connection Expert can discover any server on the local subnet that uses either the VXI- 11 or the SICL- LAN protocol. After Connection Expert discovers a remote instrument on the LAN, it performs the same bus addressing procedures as it would for a local instrument. If Connection Expert can open a connection to an instrument, it considers that the instrument has been discovered (even though Connection Expert does not send or receive any information). To discover an instrument on your local subnet, 1 Select the LAN interface node in the explorer pane, LAN (TCPIP0) for this example. Right- click to get a menu. Then click Add Instrument. (Alternatively, you could click 40 Agilent Connectivity Guide

41 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 the Add Instrument button on the tool bar, the Task Guide, or the I/O Configuration menu.) The Add Instrument dialog box appears, as shown. Figure 10 The Add Instrument Dialog Box 2 Leaving the LAN interface selected, click OK. The LAN instrument configuration dialog box appears, as shown. Agilent Connectivity Guide 41

42 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN Figure 11 LAN Instrument Configuration Dialog Box Click Find Instruments... NOTE Find Instruments only searches in your local subnet. In practical terms, your local subnet is defined as instruments on your side of the nearest router. To communicate with LAN instruments that are remote (on the other side of the router), you must be able to specify a Hostname or IP address in the LAN Instrument dialog box above. 42 Agilent Connectivity Guide

43 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 3 When the Search for instruments on the LAN dialog box appears (as shown below), leave LAN selected, and click Find Now. Figure 12 Search for Instruments on the LAN Dialog Box Agilent Connectivity Guide 43

44 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN 4 When the LAN instruments on the subnet are discovered as shown below, select the one of interest, click Identify Instrument (if desired), then OK. Figure 13 Discovery of LAN Instruments on the Subnet 5 Click OK when you are satisfied that the correct instrument has been located and selected. You now see the LAN Instrument configuration dialog box displayed including information from your selected instrument, as shown below. 44 Agilent Connectivity Guide

45 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Figure 14 Configuration Properties for Selected Instrument Automatically, you have the IP address, the Hostname, a default Remote name, the VISA address, a verified test connection. The instrument s identity has been verified. Click OK to return to the main Connection Expert window. Now you see the LAN instrument added to the explorer pane and its properties enumerated in the properties pane, as shown. Agilent Connectivity Guide 45

46 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN Figure 15 Newly Added LAN Instrument in Connection Expert To add a LAN instrument by specifying the hostname or IP address 1 In the explorer pane, click the LAN interface node where you want to add the instrument. 2 Right- click the interface node, and select Add Instrument from the drop- down menu 3 When the Add Instrument dialog box appears with the LAN interface highlighted, click OK. 4 When the LAN Instrument configuration dialog box appears, as shown below, select and edit either the IP address or the Hostname. With either choice, you will also need to enter the remote name for the instrument. 46 Agilent Connectivity Guide

47 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 Optional tests: Click Test Connection. Click Identify Instrument. Click OK. Figure 16 Editing Properties in the LAN Instrument Dialog Box Communicate with Instruments Using Interactive IO You can use the Interactive IO utility within Connection Expert, VISA Assistant, or the Telnet utility to verify communication with instruments via the LAN. Agilent Connectivity Guide 47

48 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN This section gives guidelines to communicate with your instruments using Interactive IO. NOTE Communication with installed LAN instruments was established in Run Agilent Connection Expert if the instruments were visible and verified in the Connection Expert explorer view. Therefore, this is an optional step you can use to verify communication with instruments. Interactive IO is a software utility that lets you interactively send commands to instruments and see their responses without writing any program code. You can use Interactive IO to quickly verify connectivity to your instrument, to troubleshoot communication problems, to learn the instrument's command set, and to rapidly prototype commands and check the instrument's responses before writing code. Start Interactive IO from within the Connection Expert, either by clicking the Send commands to this instrument task in the task guide, or, on the Connection Expert menu bar, by clicking Tools > Interactive IO. Example using Interactive IO 1 Select the desired instrument in the explorer view. Click Tools > Interactive IO. Interactive IO gives you a number 48 Agilent Connectivity Guide

49 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 of common IEEE and SCPI commands for communicating with instruments, as shown below. Figure 17 Common and SCPI Commands in Interactive IO You can also type in instrument- specific commands (from your instrument s programming guide). The common commands and their meanings are listed in the table below Commands Meaning *IDN? *CLS *OPC? *RCL *RST The Identification query returns manufacturer, model, serial number, and firmware level or equivalent. The Clear Status command clears status data structures, and forces the device to the Operation Complete query idle state. The Operation Complete query places an ASCII character 1 into the device s Output Queue when all pending selected device operations have been finished. The Recall command restores the current settings of a device from a copy stored in local memory. The Reset command performs a device reset, which sets the device-specific functions to a known state that is independent of the past-use history of the device. Agilent Connectivity Guide 49

50 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN *SAV *STB? *TRG *TST? The Save command stores the current settings of the device in local memory. The Read Status Byte query allows the programmer to read the status byte and master Summary Status bit. The Trigger command signals the transition of the Device Trigger (DT) function to the Device Trigger Active State (DTAS). The Self-test query returns zero to indicate the test completed with no errors. A return value not equal to zero indicates the test is not completed or completed with errors. SCPI Commands SYST:ERR? The queue query message is a request for the next entry from the instrument s error/event queue. Items in this queue contain an integer in the range [-32768, 32767] denoting an error/event number and associated descriptive text. Negative numbers are reserved by the SCPI standard; positive numbers are instrument-dependent. A value of zero indicates that no error or event has occurred. 2 Open the Commands menu and select a command. The example below shows a *IDN? command selected. Figure 18 *IDN? Command Example in Interactive IO 50 Agilent Connectivity Guide

51 Connecting Instruments to LAN 2 3 Click Send & Read to send the command and receive a response. The results are displayed in the Instrument Session History. Alternatively, you can click the Send Command and Read Response buttons, when you desire, to control the time gap between these commands. Interactive IO has a default timeout value set (5000 ms.), which may not be long enough for your particular application. To change that default, go to Interact > Options, edit the Timeout value, and click OK. Agilent Connectivity Guide 51

52 2 Connecting Instruments to LAN 52 Agilent Connectivity Guide

53 Agilent Connectivity Guide 3 Connecting Instruments to USB This chapter includes: USB Quick Start Step 1: Install I/O Software on Your PC Step 2: Connect Instruments to USB Step 3: Identify Instruments Automatically Step 4: Communicate with Instruments (Optional) Step 5: Program Your Instruments Agilent Technologies 53

54 3 Connecting Instruments to USB USB Quick Start This section shows suggested steps to help you quickly get started connecting USB- enabled instruments to the Universal Serial Bus (USB). NOTE Optionally, a USB hub may be connected between the PC and USB instrument(s). However, this configuration is not described in this guide. See your USB hub documentation if you use a USB hub. Typical USB Interface System In this guide, a USB interface system is defined as a system in which USB- enabled instruments are connected via a USB cable to a USB 1.1 port in a Windows PC or to a USB 2.0 port in a Windows XP PC (with Service Packs 1 or 2). This figure shows a typical USB interface system with a PC and a USB instrument connected via a USB cable. USB Cable PC Connect to USB port on PC. Connect to USB port on instrument. Instrument Figure 19 Typical USB Interface System Getting Started To get started, you may want to print the figures for Steps 1-5 to use as a guide as you set up your USB system. See the associated step if you need more details. 54 Agilent Connectivity Guide

55 Connecting Instruments to USB 3 Other Information You Can Use Troubleshooting USB Interfaces for USB troubleshooting tips Glossary for a definition of some USB terms Contacting Agilent Agilent Connectivity Guide 55

56 3 Connecting Instruments to USB 1 Install I/O Software on Your PC Install Agilent IO Libraries Suite from a CD or the Web. PC 2 Connect Instruments to USB Use USB cables to connect your instruments to the USB port(s) on your PC, or use the Agilent 82357A USB/GPIB Interface Converter. USB Cable PC Instrument 3 Identify Instruments Automatically With Connection Expert running, you can discover and identify your USB instruments automatically. After the instruments are powered and connected to the PC, Connection Expert executes identification queries automatically. 56 Agilent Connectivity Guide

57 Connecting Instruments to USB 3 4 Communicate with Instruments (Optional) Use Interactive IO within Connection Expert to send commands and read responses via the USB interface. Use Interactive IO to send commands such as "*IDN?" to your instruments. 5 Program Your Instruments (Optional) This is an optional step. As desired, you can program instruments via the USB interface using applications such as IVI-COM, VXIpnp, or VISA. VISA: viopen (...,"UsbDevice1",...) SICL: iopen ("UsbDevice1") VISA Alias Agilent Connectivity Guide 57

58 3 Connecting Instruments to USB Step 1: Install I/O Software on Your PC 1 Install I/O Software on Your PC Install Agilent IO Libraries Suite from a CD or the Web. PC What s in This Step? Install Agilent IO Libraries Suite and other I/O software on your PC before you connect instruments to USB. See Installing I/O Software for details. Then, go to Step 2: Connect Instruments to USB NOTE Version M or later of the Agilent IO Libraries is required for USB. This procedure documents the use of Agilent IO Libraries Suite Agilent Connectivity Guide

59 Connecting Instruments to USB 3 Step 2: Connect Instruments to USB 2 Connect Instruments to USB Use USB cables to connect your instruments to the USB port(s) on your PC, or use the Agilent 82357A USB/GPIB Interface Converter. USB Cable PC Instrument What s in This Step? This step provides a USB interface overview, shows how to connect USB Instruments using the USB ports on your PC, or by using the Agilent 82357A USB/GPIB Interface Converter. Agilent Connectivity Guide 59

60 3 Connecting Instruments to USB USB Interface Overview When a USB device that implements the USBTMC or USBTMC- USB488 protocol is plugged into the computer, the Agilent IO Libraries Suite automatically detects the device. It is important to note that only USBTMC and USBTMC- USB488 devices are recognized by the IO Libraries Suite. Other USB devices such as printers, scanners, and storage devices are not recognized and cannot be programmed with the Agilent IO Libraries Suite. USB instruments in the remainder of this section refers to devices that implement the USBTMC or USBTMC- USB488 protocol. Connecting an Instrument via USB or Converter. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a quick and easy way to connect instruments to PCs on a benchtop. Some newer instruments have USB interfaces built in; for those that do not, you can use the Agilent 82357A USB/GPIB Interface Converter to connect GPIB instruments to a USB port on your PC. You can use USB to connect a single instrument to a PC; or, with the 82357A, you can connect up to 14 GPIB instruments. NOTE Do not confuse the Agilent USB/GPIB Interface Converter with a USBTMC device. The is automatically configured as a GPIB interface, not as a USBTMC device, when it is plugged into the computer. Steps to Connect USB Instruments Use the steps in this figure to directly connect USB instruments to a Windows PC. If you have not yet installed I/O software on your PC, go to Installing I/O Software and install the software BEFORE you connect USB instruments to your PC. When you have made the connections for your system, go to Step 3: Identify Instruments Automatically. 60 Agilent Connectivity Guide